We believe that our students learn best when their families work in partnership with us. Families and caregivers have many resources, strengths, and areas of expertise that enrich our instructional program at GCCS. Additionally, students whose families are involved in their education have been shown to perform better academically and socially.

Family Handbooks

Linked below are the Family Handbooks of each GCCS campus. These handbooks will inform you of GCCS policies and procedures that allow for smooth school operations:

• GCCS – RMSC Campus Family Handbook
• GCCS – Flour City Campus Family Handbook

Supporting Your GCCS Student at Home

Upon enrollment into either GCCS campus, each student’s family commits to supporting continued learning at home. We ask that our families:

• Maintain open, respectful communication with GCCS teachers and staff
• Monitor and assist with homework assignments
• Read with your GCCS student for at least 15 minutes each day
• Attend Exhibition Nights, Student-Led Conferences and Family Conferences
• Attend school community events whenever possible
• Encourage your GCCS student to follow school policies and procedures
• Ensure your GCCS student attends school and is on time each day
• Talk to your GCCS student each day about what they are learning

See our Get Involved page for more information.

Before & Aftercare Options

At the present time, neither GCCS campus houses before or after school programming. However, the Rochester area has several childcare organizations and programs to explore:

• The YMCA of Greater Rochester
• The City of Rochester R-Centers
• ROCmusic
• Baden Street Settlement
• The Community Place of Greater Rochester
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester
• Asbury Day Care Center
• Rochester Childfirst Network (RCN)

IMPORTANT: 

• RCSD transportation will only transport students to their childcare sites if those sites are within RCSD limits
• GCCS is not able to provide care to students before 7:35am or after 2:45pm (after 12:45pm on Wednesdays due to early dismissal)

Reading Recommendations

• The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction
• The New Childhood
• The Whole Brain Child
• The Deepest Well
• What Does it Mean to be Present
• How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk